"Fred, we just wanted to take care of, and Buckner, we wanted to take care of," head coach Kyle Shanahan explained after the 24-15 victory.
Warner is entering his second NFL season so having the young linebacker sit out each of the team's first two preseason games is a testament to his value. He is already a vocal leader and key contributor on defense. Warner led the 49ers in tackles last season with a total of 124 to go along with his six passes defensed and a forced fumble.
Buckner, well … he's Buckner. The Pro Bowl defender recorded a career-high 12 sacks last season and is an integral part of the 49ers' defensive front. He's already pretty darn good and won't improve suddenly because of a couple of extra preseason games, so Shanahan decided to also sit him for the first two.
Alexander is another player who hasn't played yet during the preseason. That will change on Saturday when the linebacker finally makes his 49ers debut against the Kansas City Chiefs. Shanahan was asked on Monday night what went into the decision to, once again, sit Alexander.
"We decided that a while ago with Kwon," Shanahan responded. "I think we planned to get him in K.C. for his first time coming off his ACL."
Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is also coming off an ACL injury and made his much-publicized return to the playing field on Monday night, and it was unspectacular.
The 49ers' signal-caller completed 1-of-6 passes for no yards with an interception against the Broncos. Defenders got their hands on each of Garoppolo's first four pass attempts. There was the interception, two deflections at the line of scrimmage, and a pass breakup which was nearly intercepted.
Garoppolo's one completion went to running back Matt Breida for no gain and came on his last throw of the night. The quarterback will play again on Saturday against the Chiefs, and the 49ers hope the result will be different.
"It's something I haven't done in a year, obviously," Garoppolo told reporters after the game. "I've got to knock the rust off and everything. Thankfully, we've got a short week this week so we can bounce back quickly. It's the first step of getting back into it."
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Shelby Harris elaborates on accusations against 49ers WR Jauan Jennings
Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Shelby Harris had strong words for San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings following Sunday's matchup. Harris was clearly upset about something Jennings allegedly said during an injury stoppage on the field. "I see why he got punched... -
Kyle Shanahan shares final updates ahead of 49ers-Titans Week 15 matchup
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke to reporters following Friday's practice, providing final updates ahead of the team's Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans. Here's everything he said. Transcript provided by the San Francisco 49ers Communications... -
Kyle Shanahan recalls 49ers' talks with Philip Rivers—and what it meant for Brock Purdy
The San Francisco 49ers stayed in touch with Philip Rivers throughout the 2022 season—just in case the veteran quarterback was needed. After injuries sidelined Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo, the depth chart grew thin, and an inexperienced rookie by the name Brock Purdy... -
Kyle Shanahan previews 49ers-Titans Week 15 matchup
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan addressed reporters ahead of Wednesday's practice as the team gears up for its Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans. Here's everything he said. Transcript provided by the San Francisco 49ers Communications staff. Opening...